Released November 15, 1975 | Format 7" single Length 3:08 | |
B-side "It's Not What She's Done (It's What You Didn't Do)" | ||
"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" is a country music song first recorded by Ed Bruce, written by him and wife Patsy Bruce. His version of the song appears on his 1976 self-titled album for United Artists Records. In late 1975–early 1976, Bruce's rendition of the song went to number 15 on the Hot Country Singles charts. This song was featured on Chris LeDoux's 1976 album, Songbook of the American West, and in the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas video game soundtrack, on the fictitious radio station K-Rose.
Contents
Members of the Western Writers of America chose the song as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.
Content
The narrator warns mothers not to let their children become cowboys because of the tough and busy life of cowboy culture.
Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson version
Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson covered the song on their 1978 duet album Waylon & Willie. This rendition peaked at No. 1 in March 1978, spending four weeks atop the country music charts. It also reached 42 on the Billboard Hot 100, and won the 1979 Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Also in 1979, Nelson's version was featured in the film The Electric Horseman with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. This version was covered by Alvin and the Chipmunks as "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Chipmunks" for their 1981 album Urban Chipmunk. It is also featured in a 2015 TV commercial for the Volkswagen Passat.
Gibson/Miller Band version
In 1994, country music group Gibson/Miller Band recorded a cover version on its album Red, White and Blue Collar. This version peaked at #49 on the Hot Country Songs chart, and was featured in the soundtrack for the movie The Cowboy Way. It also appeared on the band's second and final studio album, Red, White and Blue Collar.
Other versions
A version of the song by Lukas Nelson and Shooter Jennings was used as the theme tune for Netflix comedy The Ranch.
A version of the song was recorded by Lucinda Williams on the "Imus Ranch Record". a benefit compilation of country and roots music released Sept 16, 2008.